Just yesterday, on my 29 hour solo drive from California to Minnesota, I received a speeding ticket for going 80 in a 70 via interstate. This really has got my brain amped up regarding the following questions:
"Have you ever been convicted of any criminal offence in the UK or any country?" and
"Please Give Details including country, nature of offence, date of conviction and sentence/penalty"
There is so much conflicting information out there that I am totally lost on what to and not to declare.
My driving history as follows:
1 Unexpired tabs warning ~2014-15? I don't even know how to find warnings - obtaining my MVR monday
1 Unexpired tabs fine 2016 - paid "on a car I garaged 99% of the time, still my fault.."
1 Seatbelt ticket June 2016 - paid
Then while I rented a car in Germany I managed to pull 3 very minor fines from hidden speed cameras
1 11 km/h over - dismissed, the authorities dropped it after some time and I didn't have to pay
1 15 km/h over - paid
1 21 km/h over - paid
Of these 3 fines, if my memory serves right and I will be calling Monday, my rental company Sixt only forwarded my driver information over for the 21 km/h fine, as it is 1 point. Do I report all 3 though as I've heard honesty is the best answer.?
And lastly yesterday my 1 ticket for 10 mph over - which I paid today.
I am just stressing out a little because to me, I know they're all minor fines, but 2016-17 hasn't been my best year, can't wait to live in a city with good public transport...
The question stands though, I never went to court for any of these - just paid them. Though it was my understanding if you pay the fine you are automatically convicting yourself guilty.
And lastly, the root of my stress lies under
"A non-custodial sentence** - Paragraph 320 (18A) and S-EC2.5(a) Appendix FM provides for a discretionary refusal of entry clearance where has been convicted or admitted an offence for which they have received a non-custodial sentence or other out of court disposal that is recorded on their criminal record within the preceding 12 months."
and
"Being a persistent offender who shows a particular disregard for the law **- Paragraph 320(18B) and S-EC2.5(b) Appendix FM provides for a refusal of entry clearance."
I'm not trying to be a persistent offender, but it may seem like it?
Sorry if it's a tad wordy, hopefully someone sees my questioning. Just worried that when I list all this it will be grounds for refusal
Thank you in advance for replying!